Accidents involving trucks and larger vehicles, such as semis, tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, or other commercial vehicles, can be especially devastating. Due to their large size, these oversize motor vehicles often have a longer stopping distance and bigger blind spots than ordinary vehicles which can be a contributing factor in truck accidents on the road. A truck accident between an oversize vehicle and a sedan or passenger vehicle often means that the passenger vehicle suffers much more severe consequences, including vehicular damage, injuries and even fatalities.
Victims of a trucking accident may find themselves facing heavy debt, painful injuries, lost work, and confusion about where to turn and what steps to take next. Here at Willis & Toews, PLLC, we have a team of experienced truck accident legal professionals ready to step in and guide you through the best course of action, from securing the scene of the accident, communicating with the truck owner or commercial trucking company, and ensuring that you receive the best representation possible in a devastating situation.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for a Truck Accident?
Many truck accidents are avoidable. Long-haul trucking companies often enforce long hours on the road that may contribute to resulting accidents, but there are often a number of other factors at play:
- Human error
- Mechanical failure
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fatigued driving
- Equipment that is unmaintained or needs servicing
- Failure to yield
- Inclement weather (rain, sleet, snow, etc.)
- Driver inattention or distraction
- Following too closely
There are federal regulations to restrict drivers from driving for too many hours, but the pressure of a trucking company and the promise of a paycheck means that many truckers will drive fatigued and doctor their logbook to indicate that they have been sleeping. Additionally, there has been a surge of commercial truck drivers using stimulants to keep themselves awake for longer hours, a dangerous combination for other drivers on the road.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
First and foremost, after a truck accident, we recommend that you seek immediate medical attention for any injuries sustained in the crash. Your injuries may not be immediately apparent following an accident, so it is especially important to be checked out by a medical professional.
Next, you should contact a truck accident attorney. This may not be the first thing on your mind after a life-threatening scare on the road, but getting an experienced truck accident attorney involved as soon as possible after an accident will help preserve any evidence left on the roadway, as well as get witness statements from other drivers.
Willis & Toews Truck Accident Lawyers
If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact Willis & Toews, PLLC immediately. Our team is ready to assist you in getting the best representation available and giving you the support you need after a life-altering accident. We will answer your questions and guide you through the complicated legal procedure that follows a major truck accident, and we will ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your pain, suffering, and damages. Call today for a free consultation!
